James "Jim" Rudolf Ferge

James “Jim” R. Ferge, 78, of Tomahawk, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Tomahawk under the care of hospice.

Jim was born on October 22, 1947, in Wausau, Wisconsin, the son of William and Dorothy (Pallman) Ferge. He was united in marriage to Laurie Wolff on May 29, 1971.

Jim was a 1965 graduate of D.C. Everest High School. Following high school, he attended North Dakota State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Education.

Jim was one of the most honored football players in North Dakota State Bison history. He was named a first-team All-American in 1967 by the American Football Coaches Association and again in 1968 on the Associated Press honor squad. A three-year letterman, Jim captained the Bison and was named the most valuable lineman in the North Central Conference in 1968. His teammates also selected him to receive the Dennis Drews Award as the team MVP. He was an all-league selection in 1967 and 1968 and was drafted by the Baltimore Colts following his graduation in 1969.

Jim was inducted into the D.C. Everest High School Athletic Wall of Fame and the North Dakota State Bison Athletic Hall of Fame.

Following his football career, Jim began a 38-year career at Lincoln Hills School, where he served as a physical education teacher. He was best known for his charisma, sense of humor, and his ability to connect with young people. Jim retired from Lincoln Hills School in 2008.

In retirement, Jim enjoyed traveling with his wife Laurie, spending time in Arizona, attending North Dakota State games, enjoying time with family, and relaxing on the deck at one of his favorite places, the home that he and Laurie built on the river.

Jim loved watching his children play sports and taking hunting trips out West with friends and family. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, driving his Corvette, working as a ham radio operator, and volunteering on the chain crew at Tomahawk High School football games. Jim was a familiar and friendly presence around town—he knew everyone, and everyone knew Jim. He was known for his storytelling, larger-than-life personality, and his ability to make people laugh.

Jim especially loved being a grandpa, and his grandchildren will miss him dearly.

Jim always dreamed of living on the water. After purchasing a small cabin and turning it into a beautiful home, he spent more than 40 years enjoying life on the river—fishing with his son, taking pontoon boat rides, swimming, ensuring that his yard was immaculate, sitting on the deck, and just admiring the river and the outdoors at the River Ridge Ranch.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Laurie Ferge; daughter Megan Ferge of Tomahawk; sons Jacob Ferge of Minneapolis and Matthew (Mickala) Ferge of Tomahawk; two grandchildren, Graham and Grady; and his brother, William (Carlo) Ferge of Marshfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Dorothy Ferge, and his sister, Kathy Boehm.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 24, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., with prayers at 6:30 p.m. led by Pastor Lisa Weaver at Krueger-Nimsgern Funeral Home in Tomahawk.

Online condolences may be directed to www.nimsgernfuneral.com.